ITV in Advanced Talks to Acquire 'The Voice' Producer Talpa

Dutch media entrepreneur John de Mol put the company on the auction block last year.

U.K. TV giant ITV is in advanced negotiations on a deal to acquire The Voice producer Talpa Media, the Dutch production company created by John de Mol, Broadcast magazine reported on Friday.‎

De Mol, also known as the man who created reality juggernaut Big Brother, put Talpa on the auction block last year.

"ITV confirms that it is in exclusive discussions regarding an acquisition of Talpa. These discussions may or may not result in agreement of a transaction," ITV said in a statement.

The Dutch mogul has 100 percent control of the company. Both ITV and Talpa initially declined to comment on the takeover speculation.

ITV in its statement also said: "ITV is continually assessing opportunities to grow and develop its business in line with its strategy, including the assessment of potential acquisitions."

ITV, whose flagship network is the U.K. home of X Factor and Downton Abbey, has been expanding its ITV Studios unit to become less reliant on advertising revenue. In recent years it has acquired such U.S. companies as Gurney Productions, the company behind Duck Dynasty;Real Housewives of New Jersey producer Leftfield; Cake Boss maker High Noon Entertainment; Hatfields & McCoys producer Thinkfactory Media and Teen Wolf's DiGa Vision.